| Red hot four-year-old Skyhook continued his incredible preparation by scoring a memorable win in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick. |
| A $575,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy in 2024 for his co-trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou from the Arrowfield Stud, Skyhook made it three wins from four runs this campaign with a thrilling success. After racing to the front in the straight the tough son of Written Tycoon had to pull out all stops to hold out a determined challenge from in form runner-up Derocum. “He’s had a great prep,” co-trainer Gerald Ryan said. “We set him for the race after he ran in the Golden Rose.” “The flaw in his campaign over the last twelve months was taking him to Melbourne. After June, we sat down and mapped out these four races heading into this and nothing has gone wrong.” “A couple of hurdles (has turned him around). Before the Hawkesbury Guineas I put him over a few hurdles and he’s never looked back since.” “I haven’t done it since, but he was jumping the hurdles before the Guineas, after he ran in the Arrowfield, and he hasn’t looked back.” “I might have learned how to train him a little bit too. I switched a few little things at home.” “He’s a horse who doesn’t cop a lot of work. He doesn’t cop backing up, so I might have just found out a little bit more about him.” “I said to (breeder) John Messara, I don’t think he’ll be any good until an autumn four-year-old, so we’ll see what happens. He’s ahead of schedule.” Skyhook has spent his career racing in elite races – he’s contested the Golden treble – the Golden Slipper, Golden Rose and Golden Eagle. “Beiwacht did (as well). We’ve raced against Beiwacht five times and beaten him in four. The only time he has beaten us home was in the Golden Rose.” The main concern for Ryan and connections was who would ride their star following a suspension last week for regular rider Kerrin McEvoy. “It was good. It was touch-and-go who was going to ride him. I’ve known Chad since he was twelve.” “I’ve watched him all the way through, and he was chasing, chasing (the ride). He rang a couple of owners, which I don’t like jockeys doing, but he did. And I thought, why not? We know him well and I had a good bit of luck with his father (Glyn).” The paddock is next for Skyhook according to connections. “I would like to give him an ease-up. Since he came into work in December for the autumn, he’s only had eighteen days off. I’d like to give him a break.” “It’s a quick turnaround to the autumn. The Apollo Stakes is in February and it’s a Group One race now, so we’ll aim him at that.” “He’s won his good race now and I think there’s more in him,” Ryan added. The win added yet further big race success for star rider Chad Schofield. He recently captured the $20 million The Everest aboard Temped. “Amazing couple of weeks,” Schofield said. “I am lost for words. Just so thankful for the opportunity. Two special horses to help me win those races.” While delighted with the success Schofield took time to pay tribute to Skyhook’s regular rider Kerrin McEvoy who missed today’s race after a rare and controversial suspension incurred last week at Flemington. “I paid homage to Kerrin. This is his horse. He should be here today not me.” “We drew really wide. I always thought we could end up one out one back. That is what I told the owners and trainer pre-race.” “When Regal Award didn’t jump like he can, I rolled across outside the leader but the pace was very slow. Obviously when Apocalyptic went around, that gave me the perfect bit of cover.” “My horse dropped the bridle and found the most beautiful rhythm. I took the speed out of the race knowing Autumn Boy and Sheza Alibi finish really well.” “I waited as long as I could and he is so game. I felt Decorum had us a couple of times but my horse pinned his ears back and was in for the fight,” Schofield summed up. The Golden Eagle winner is a son of champion sire Written Tycoon, who like Skyhook was a Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase. He is from the Redoute’s Choice mare Madame Pauline, a multiple winner and Sydney placegetter, who is a three quarter sister to Group winning sire Anders and fellow stakes winners Ostraka and Caffe Florian. As well as the three aforementioned stakes winners, second dam Madame Andree is also the dam of stakes placegetters Battleground and Satin Love. Winner: Skyhook Race: ATC Golden Eagle G1 (1500m) Breeding: Written Tycoon-Madame Pauline (Redoute’s Choice) Sold for: $575,000 Sale: 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Earnings: $6,976,610 Breeder: Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, NSW Vendor: Arrowfield Stud Buyer: Ryan & Alexiou Racing Owners: Ryan & Alexiou Racing (GA Ryan), Stallion Match (M Ennis), The Big 4 Racing (MW Lowe), South Arm (JA Kennedy), J B Plozza, JF Townley, Ms L Coghlan, IC Burford, Mrs MA Burford, Legacy Thoroughbreds (DF Macaskill), Tripp Racing (Mrs CM Tripp), T Carroll, MT Tripp, MA Stevens & NJ Lovett Trainers: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou (Rosehill) |
